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Last Updated:
2024-12-20 16:20:41
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His Son, Her Secret X
“But isn't it...” He continued, folding his arms across his chest, “A team like that needs a leader who is not only smart but also... strong under pressure?”The whole room was silent, and I knew he wasn't just asking. He wanted to test me, to see if I was still the girl who had left him at the altar five years ago and whether I could still stand up under his pressure.I knew how Pascha always played with the people around him. Testing and testing. It was like he was the master of every game, while everything around him was just a pawn.And this time, I was the pawn.“Of course,” I replied, forcing a slight smile that didn't fully reach my eyes. “Pressure is part of the job, and I'm used to dealing with it.” I let the words hang, gauging his reaction.Pascha didn't answer right away. Instead, he leaned back in his chair. His cold eyes looked at me, then slowly toward the documents on the table before him. He held up one piece of paper, twirling the end between his fingers.“Interesting
Last Updated : 2024-12-22His Son, Her Secret XI
“Belva!”I turned my head sharply, my hand raised on its own.A hard slap landed on his face before I could think.Pascha stood still for a moment, his hand still gripping my arm. He touched his cheek with his free hand, then, instead of anger, he chuckled—low, deep, provoking. But his gaze was piercing, like he was trying to strip away every wall I'd built over the past five years.I held my breath, trying to break free from his grasp.“So many things have changed, Bee?” he said, a lopsided smile gracing his face. “Five years ago, you were just running. On the night three days ago you were still moaning my name. Now? You slapped me. I like this new version.”My blood boiled. I jerked at his hand, forcing myself to stand straight even though my body shook angrily. “You don't know anything about me, Pascha.”“Oh, I know a lot,” he retorted casually, but his eyes blazed with provocation. “I know the girl who stood at the altar five years ago didn't dare to say what she thought. But now..
Last Updated : 2024-12-22His Son, Her Secret XII
I sat on a cane chair on the balcony, looking at the coastline. The midday sun reflected golden sparkles on the waves rolling gently towards the sand. The cool coastal breeze blew through my hair, but I still felt like I was burning—not by the sun's heat, but by the thoughts that hadn't stopped tearing at my composure since this morning's meeting.In front of me, Max sat in his little chair, a spoon in his tiny hands, busily digging into the lasagna on his plate. His round cheeks moved as he chewed enthusiastically, his little legs dangling over the edge of the chair. Every time he looked at me, he smiled widely, like there was no sinner in the world."Mommy, the lasagna is so good!" he said happily, jolting me out of the dark vortex of thoughts shackling me.I forced myself to smile. "Really? Mommy made it, especially for you, Max. If you like it, I will be so happy."He nodded vigorously, his spoon back in action. I watched him eat, trying to hold on to the fact that he was the reaso
Last Updated : 2024-12-24His Son, Her Secret XIII
Max chuckled as Clara lifted him high, making a rattling sound like a robot. The little boy giggled loudly, his hands flapping like a bird learning to fly.I sat on the sofa, laptop on my lap, typing up the report due this week. Their laughter filled the house, forming an atmosphere that made me feel all was well."Mommy, look, I'm a robot Superman!" Max shouts, striking a strange pose: one arm stretched out like he's flying while the other grips his robot toy tightly.“You'd make a great superhero, Maxie.” I laughed, looking at him. I glanced over at them, seeing Clara teasing Max under the pretense of going after him.Clara was an irreplaceable presence in this house. She knew how to make Max happy and fill the void I couldn't constantly fill, especially when I was drowning at work or caught up in messy feelings like now."You really saved my life, Cece." I said, half-joking while typing the last line of my report."Ah, you know I'm glad to be here. Max is a wonderful boy. How could
Last Updated : 2024-12-24His Son, Her Secret XIV
This guy wasn't an asshole in the same way as Pascha. That was one thing I could admit without hesitation.Julian might be too conscious of his image but doesn't hide his weapons. Everything he did was open and obvious, unlike the other guy who still haunted me with that cold smile and game that always made me feel trapped.Inside, the atmosphere was luxurious. The Roles family had truly mastered the art of impressing their guests. A large crystal chandelier hung in the hall's center, and the scent of expensive wine and classical music's soft sounds filled the air.We didn't have to search for our hosts for long. The Roles—husband and wife, who looked more like living porcelain figurines, immediately greeted us with broad, overly friendly smiles."Belva Moguel!" exclaimed Mrs. Roles enthusiastically, grabbing both my hands. "It's been a long time. You were just a little girl the last time I saw you."I smiled slightly, trying to remain polite. "Thank you for inviting me, Mrs. Roles. Yo
Last Updated : 2024-12-26His Son, Her Secret XV
"Julian Warren." The voice sliced through the air, heavy and cold.Standing before us was Pascha Romanov, his towering frame exuding an aura of dominance. His thin, calculated smile shifted between us, lingering on me for an excruciating few seconds that seemed to stretch into eternity.Julian, who had been so at ease just moments ago, stiffened. Straightening his posture, he greeted Pascha."Pascha Romanov. It’s been a long time."I did not join the conversation. I couldn't because I immediately focused on Mikaela Morris, the woman beside Pascha—the woman I used to call my best friend.She stood there nervously, her hand clutching Pascha's arm like an anchor. Her eyes glanced at me several times, only to look away immediately. Her once confident face now looked doubtful, even a little flushed.How dare she stand here. How dare these two traitors approach me."Are you here on business?" Julian asked Pascha."Partly," Pascha answered casually. "And partly for personal matters."I swirl
Last Updated : 2024-12-30His Son, Her Secret XVI
I exited the bathroom quickly, trying to ignore the heavy feeling that hung in my chest after the conversation with Mikaela. When I arrived at the main hall, Julian walked straight up to me, his expression full of curiosity."Belva, are you okay?" he asked, but before I could answer, he continued, "You look like you just talked to a ghost."I almost laughed bitterly. It’s a ghost of the past that wouldn't leave."I want to go home," I said, cutting off whatever else he wanted to say.Julian looked surprised for a moment, but he soon nodded. "Alright. If you want to go home, let's go home."Without another word, I followed him outside. An incredible night breeze greeted us as we walked to the car. I let out a long breath, trying to calm my chaotic mind.Once we were seated in the car, Julian started talking."You know, parties like this are always full of little dramas," he said as he turned the steering wheel, heading down the deserted streets. "People making small talk, pretending to
Last Updated : 2024-12-31His Son, Her Secret XVII
I stood in front of the stove, busy stirring the pancake batter, my hair still wrapped in rollers.The sound of steps running across the wooden floor made me let out a long sigh. Max, with seemingly endless energy, kept running from one end of the house to the other, even though Clara had tried to catch him to put on his pre-kindergarten uniform."Maximus Superman, stop running around!" Clara called out from the living room, her breathing starting to sound a little tired. She held the little navy blue uniform in one hand while the other was outstretched, trying to grab Max, who was nimbly dodging. "If you don't stop, we won't make it in time, Superman!""But I want to play!" Max replied in a loud voice.I rolled my eyes as I poured pancake batter onto the hot griddle, producing a soothing sizzling sound. "Maxie, listen to Cece. Or you won't get to eat Mommy's pancakes!"Max stopped suddenly. The little boy turned his head towards the kitchen with dilated eyes. "Pancakes? With chocolate
Last Updated : 2024-12-31
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His Son, Her Secret CLXV : a boy, a boat, a bloodline
"Pass the pilaf, please!" Trisha was already shouting before she even sat down, grabbing the plate and then plopping into her seat.Igor sat at the head of the table with two small creatures flanking him. Max on the right, Mischa on the left. Both with eyes shining and hands ready to pounce. I sat in the middle, with Pascha—mysteriously—choosing to sit right beside me, even though plenty of other chairs were still empty.He sat too close. His left arm draped behind my chair, and his knee… well, his knee kept brushing against mine far more often than lunch table etiquette would allow. Every time I shifted, he shifted with me.And of course, his fingers occasionally played with the ends of my hair that fell over my shoulder.I refused to react. That would mean he won. So I focused all my attention on the plate of pilaf and the roast chicken coated in fragrant Middle Eastern spices made by Natalia herself."Uncle!" Max spoke through a mouthful. "Did you ever throw Daddy into the sea?"Ig
His Son, Her Secret CLXIV : small missiles and bigger hearts
We arrived at the Romanov villa gates nearly two hours after leaving San Francisco. With one emergency stop I’d rather not talk about, and a series of events that could only be explained as Pascha being Pascha.It started with me just needing to pee. A quick stop at a small, empty-looking rest area. But of course, Pascha decided to turn on the hazard lights and call out from the car window, “Don’t get lost, Miss Moguel. The woods can be cruel!”I shot him a glare.Naturally, he didn’t stop there. When I came back and reached for the car door, he locked it automatically and smiled at me through the window like he’d just won some twisted Olympic event.“Pascha Romanov, I swear to God, I will—”Click.The door unlocked. He laughed for the next ten minutes straight while I sat in silence, breathing slowly, seriously considering whether throwing my sandal at him would be too dramatic or way too soft.The moment we arrived at the villa, I understood why Max loved it here. The Romanov villa
His Son, Her Secret CLXIII : oh great, you’re charming again
BelvaMorning slipped in through the gap in the curtains like an old friend who knew how to arrive without making a sound. Warm light crept across the edge of my bed, slowly trailing up the wall and brushing my fingertips.I opened my eyes without the weight in my chest. The bad memories were still there, sure, but like shadows, they came and went, swallowed by something warmer. Something calmer.Maybe I was just too tired. Maybe my body had finally surrendered to a peace I had been refusing.I got up, letting my feet touch the cool wooden floor. The sheets were still messy, a pillow had fallen to the ground. This morning felt... light. I grabbed a towel and walked to the bathroom. Hot water washed over my body, and for a few minutes, I just stood under the shower, letting it rinse away the traces of last night.Afterward, I slipped into a loose white t-shirt and comfortable linen pants, my hair still damp as I stepped out of the room. My pace was slow and lazy, but the moment I reac
His Son, Her Secret CLXII : a thief in borrowed time [Pascha]
Night had fallen hours ago, but Max had no real understanding of the concept of "bedtime."“I think,” he said, rolling over to his left for the hundredth time in his bed facing the villa balcony, “if I fall asleep now, I’ll miss the golden hours to plan my next secret mission.”I sat at the edge of his bed. “What time do you think it is right now?”“Eight fifty-nine!” he said, then raised his index finger like he was teaching me something very serious. “And do you know what great spies do at times like this, Daddy?”“Sleep?”“No!” he said, clearly offended. “They practice foreign languages and memorize secret codes!”I sighed and rubbed my temples. “Max…”“Teach me Russian, Daddy. Right now. Hurry. Say, ‘I am a super robot from the planet Bumbleberia.’”I frowned. “Bumbleberia’s not a real place.”“Then teach me how to say it in Russian so it can be!”This kid…I looked at his little face, so expressive. His hair was still damp from his bath, his cheeks flushed from the warm night air
His Son, Her Secret CLXI: The Stage Was Never Yours Alone
My phone buzzed, screen lighting up with a name that had become familiar, and still somehow made my heartbeat skip half a note: Pascha Romanov.I tapped the screen to accept the video call while Clara and Jullian were still deep in debate over whether dinosaur-shaped pancakes were superior to star-shaped waffles.The call connected, and Max’s face instantly filled the screen, his grin wide, hair a little messy, and behind him, Trisha, still wearing her straw hat, waved while chewing on something.“Mommyyyy!” he shouted. “Why is everyone here speaking Russian?! I don’t understand anything! I feel like… like an alien on Mars!”I let out a soft laugh, about to reply when—“MAX!” Jullian called out.Max’s eyes lit up. “You’re there too?!”Jullian leaned closer, sharing the screen with me. “Hey, partner,” he greeted warmly. “Looks like you’ve been busy socializing with the high society crowd.”Max nodded enthusiastically. “I almost got to drive the golf cart by myself! But Grandpa said I d
His Son, Her Secret CLX: I Bet You’d Look Good in a Rom-Com
Clara showed up just minutes after I sent the message. With slow steps and eyes barely open, she walked toward us dragging a gray blanket behind her like it was an oversized royal cape. Her hair was a mess, and her expression, well, like the world had woken her up five centuries too early.“I smell empanadas,” she mumbled without preamble, plopping down onto the sand with zero regard for grace.Jullian stifled a laugh and held out a plate. “I admire your lifestyle.”“I don’t remember who you are,” Clara answered with a huge yawn, grabbing an arepa and taking a bite like a zombie discovering its first victim. “But you make excellent life choices.”I shook my head and scooped a bite of arroz con pollo into my mouth. “Clara, you can’t keep napping like this every afternoon.”“Relax. I dreamt I was watching Max,” she shot back. “Technically, I’m still on duty.”Jullian chuckled, then glanced over at me. “Speaking of Max…”I raised an eyebrow. “Yeah?”“I keep thinking about that dinner we
His Son, Her Secret CLIX : Sunburns, Sass, and Someone Like You
The midday sky hung cloudless, a clean blue canvas yet to be written on. On the warm, breezy shore of San Francisco, I sat on a white canvas folding chair, my bare feet touching sand that still held the chill of morning. Beside me, a cold water bottle beaded with condensation and a gently vibrating phone, my only interruption in an otherwise peaceful silence I was beginning to savor.I picked up the phone and glanced at the screen.A message from Pascha.The first photo popped up with a soft notification sound. Max was in Trisha’s arms. Her long blonde hair was braided into two neat plaits, a straw hat tilted playfully on her head. Max looked half-squished, but happy, his cheek nearly disappearing behind Trisha’s oversized sunglasses.Second photo. Max was perched on Igor’s shoulders. Max was laughing, mouth wide open, arms thrown up in the air. He lifted him higher as they walked among the tall, leafy trees of Carmel.I smiled, letting a quiet warmth spread through my chest. Not beca
His Son, Her Secret CLVIII : Silence Too Loud
The front door opened with its usual sound, a bit creaky, a little heavy, but it never bothered anyone, because the person who always came through it never felt the need to knock first.Pascha Romanov walked right into my house, like always. As if it wasn’t mine. As if boundaries were a concept that didn’t apply to his stupid head. And the truth was, I never really figured out how high a wall I needed to keep him out.He was a storm that had grown used to passing through without asking permission.Max launched out of his chair like a mini rocket, leaving the last piece of his pancake behind without a second thought.“Daddyyyyyy!” he shouted, his little feet pounding across the floor as he crashed into Pascha with a tackle of hugs and breathless chatter. “Mommy was soooo annoying today! I just said I didn’t wanna take a bath and she went off like the news on TV!”Pascha chuckled softly, lifting Max into his arms without effort, “Oh yeah?” Pascha shot me a quick glance, half a smile pla
His Son, Her Secret CLVII : Summer Smells Like Pancakes and Salt [Present]
Morning came without mercy.The sun climbed slowly behind the thin curtains I’d forgotten to close correctly the night before. I was still in bed, eyes open, staring at the ceiling that looked exactly the same as it did yesterday. The morning air drifted in through the cracked window, salty, laced with the scent of the sea.Usually, that smell calmed me. Today, it only made my chest feel heavier.I hadn’t slept. Or maybe I had—that didn’t feel real for a few minutes. My mind was still tangled in last night’s mess. My father’s cold stare, my mother’s too-sweet smile that barely passed for sincerity. Their words echoed like voices down a long, narrow hallway that led nowhere.I pushed the blanket aside and sat up, facing the tall glass window that stretched from floor to ceiling. From where I sat, I could see the shimmering silver line of San Francisco’s coast glowing in the early sun. The waves rolled in slowly, peacefully, unlike the noise in my head.“Mommyyyy!” His shout came from t
